Can This Home Be Greened? This Massachusetts Home Needs a Makeover

1 / 8
Exterior doors are prime for air sealing.
Exterior doors are prime for air sealing.
2 / 8
The old deck is unsafe and should be replaced.
The old deck is unsafe and should be replaced.
3 / 8
The moldy basement carpet is a health issue.
The moldy basement carpet is a health issue.
4 / 8
Nada, Paul and Peter enjoy their home.
Nada, Paul and Peter enjoy their home.
5 / 8
Careful landscaping will protect the stream.
Careful landscaping will protect the stream.
6 / 8
The draft windows need an update.
The draft windows need an update.
7 / 8
Bonded Logic recycled denim insulation is nontoxic.
Bonded Logic recycled denim insulation is nontoxic.
8 / 8
Efficiency is important in New England's cold winters and hot summers.
Efficiency is important in New England's cold winters and hot summers.

Nada and Paul Heredia and their infant son, Peter, live in a modest, 1,750-square-foot home in Canton, Massachusetts. Both commuters, they chose their home for its convenient location, walk-out basement and for the stream that runs along the backyard.

But it needs renovations. Nada and Paul’s top concern is providing a safe haven for their family–especially young Peter, whose recent kidney transplant and subsequent need for immunosuppressant medications make indoor air quality a top priority. The home also needs efficiency upgrades; their winter fuel oil bill is around $400 and the average monthly electric bill is around $100. The couple wants to replace their wall-to-wall carpeting, the rear deck, driveway and windows.

With some careful budgeting and a few trade-offs, the $50,000 or so that the Heredias have set aside should cover the necessary improvements.

Efficiency and health concerns

Better insulation and windows will make the Heredia home more efficient. They must remove their moldy carpet.

  • Published on Jul 30, 2009
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